Mature-aged recruit Anthony Scott has been rewarded for his sensational debut season with a two-year contract extension.

The 26-year-old joined the Western Bulldogs in February this year – through the AFL’s pre-season supplementary selection period – after training with the senior squad over summer.

Scott won Footscray’s VFL best-and-fairest in 2019 and had been elevated to the vice-captaincy for 2020, before the VFL season was cancelled.

He made his AFL debut in the opening round of 2021, has missed just one game for the year and is now locked in at the Kennel until the end of 2023.

“Two more years at the Dogs is incredibly exciting,” Scott said.

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Anthony Scott | 'Looking forward to spending more time with the Dogs'

Anthony Scott has signed on for another two years at the Western Bulldogs.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this year so far. To know that I’m going to be here for another two years is great peace of mind and also extra motivation to continue to work hard and make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.

“At the start of this year, I just would have been happy to make the list and one thing’s led to another.

“I always had the inner belief that I was good enough to play at the level, but until you actually get there you never really know how you’re going to go. I always wanted to put my best foot forward and play AFL footy and that’s what I’ve been able to do.”

Scott has featured across all three lines this season, kicking nine goals from his 18 AFL matches.

He is one of four players on the Bulldogs’ list to have come through Footscray’s VFL program – alongside Ryan Gardner, Mitch Hannan and Will Hayes.

“Anthony has certainly taken his opportunity with both hands this season,” General Manager of List Management and Football Projects, Sam Power, said.

“His versatility and team-first mindset has made him a really valuable member of our senior side.

“Anthony has played some important roles across all three lines throughout the season. He started the year across half back, has played a large portion of the season as a pressure forward and has also run through the midfield at times.

“It’s another great example of our VFL program preparing players for the highest level, but also a real testament to Anthony’s drive and perseverance to be an AFL footballer.”